Centrist Democrats are intensifying their efforts to shape messaging as the midterm elections approach. A nonprofit associated with a prominent faction of House Democratic moderates is preparing to hold its maiden policy conference later this month.
The Effective Governing Coalition will convene on May 12 for a forum titled “Delivering an Effective Economy: A Solutions Conference,” set to take place at Washington’s Planet Word Museum. This organization was established in 2024 as a branch of the centrist New Democratic Coalition, with a focus on economic growth, environmental sustainability, healthcare access, and national defense.
The event aims to unveil fresh polling data on cost-of-living issues and strategize on how Democratic leaders can enhance affordability. This coincides with both the centrist and progressive segments of the party developing their own affordability agendas.
Earlier this year, the New Democrats, the largest Democratic Caucus in the House, introduced a 16-page “Affordability Agenda.” This document outlines specific policy proposals addressing expenses related to groceries, healthcare, housing, energy, and family. Meanwhile, the Congressional Progressive Caucus released a 10-point legislative strategy to reduce costs earlier this week.
This upcoming forum marks another step for the EGC in its campaign around cost reduction. Founded by seasoned Democratic strategists Mike Goodman and Kyle Layman, the group earlier supported swing-district members of the New Democrat Coalition with a summer advertising campaign criticizing a Republican Medicaid-cutting bill.
Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), who recently indicated she might consider a presidential bid, will participate in a fireside chat. Other attendees include Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), chair of the New Dems, along with Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Salud Carbajal (D-Cali.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), and Greg Stanton (D-Ari.).
Additional speakers comprise Fox News commentator Jessica Tarlov, journalists Leigh Ann Caldwell and Molly Ball, as well as professionals like Impact Research’s Molly Murphy, SKDK’s Doug Thornell, and Third Way’s Lanae Erickson.
In preparation for the upcoming November elections, the EGC has also recruited Andrew Wright, who previously served as chief of staff to Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), as its inaugural executive director.
